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Every rainy season, the same scene plays out in many companies: someone in purchasing finds rainwear at a good price, it gets distributed among the staff, and the matter is considered closed. The problem is that being “covered on paper” does not mean workers are actually protected. Not everything that repels water is industrial rainwear. And that difference, in a work environment, can be costly. A casual or promotional rainwear item is designed to handle a light drizzle on the way to the car. Industrial rainwear is designed to withstand full shifts in adverse conditions, resist contact with rough surfaces, maintain its waterproofing after hundreds of hours of use, and in many cases, keep the worker visible when natural visibility is insufficient. These are different products for different needs, and treating them as equivalent is a mistake that NOM-017-STPS-2024 does not allow. The Difference Starts with the Material General-use rainwear is typically made from low-gauge PVC or fabrics with a surface polyurethane coating. This type of coating repels water under normal conditions, but degrades with use, friction, and sun exposure. Over time — sometimes within just a few weeks of intensive use — the coating loses effectiveness and the fabric begins to leak. Industrial rainwear uses PVC with integrated textile backing, meaning the material has a woven fabric layer that provides structural strength, prevents easy tearing, and maintains waterproofing even under tension. The 80% PVC / 20% polyester composition that defines LICA’s industrial models — such as the JSPIL, JSPIL BLUE, and JSPHV-L jacket-and-pants sets, or the GIL and GIL-NARANJA raincoats — is not an aesthetic choice. It is a technical specification that determines how long that rainwear will continue protecting the worker who uses it every day. Seam Sealing: The Detail That Fails Most Often A rainwear garment can be made from the best material on the market and still leak if its seams are not properly sealed. In casual rainwear, seams are typically closed with thread, which creates small perforations in the material where water penetrates under pressure or during heavy rain. Industrial rainwear uses high-frequency sealing, a process in which the joints are fused using electromagnetic waves, creating a watertight bond without perforations. The result is a seam that does not leak, does not fray, and does not come apart with use. In LICA’s GIL and GIL-NARANJA models, this sealing is part of the product’s technical specification — precisely because they are designed for real rain exposure, not occasional use. Buttons and Closures Matter Too It may seem like a minor detail, but metal closures on work rainwear are a concrete problem. In humid environments, metal corrodes, buttons jam, and zippers fail at the worst possible moment. Industrial rainwear uses durable plastic buttons and closures that do not rust, do not conduct electricity, and maintain their functionality throughout the equipment’s service life. All LICA models — from jacket-and-pants sets to raincoats — are equipped with anticorrosion plastic buttons for this reason. Visibility: The Element That Separates PPE from a Purchase Decision Rainwear without reflective tape may be sufficient for indoor work or areas without vehicle traffic. However, for personnel on construction sites, roadways, logistics operations, or any environment with moving machinery or vehicles, the absence of reflective strips turns the rainwear into an additional risk factor. In rain, visibility drops dramatically. A worker dressed in dark colors under those conditions is barely perceptible to a machinery operator or a driver. LICA’s JSPHV-L model incorporates high-visibility reflective tape precisely for these environments. The GIL and GIL-NARANJA raincoats also include reflective elements in their design. This is not a decorative accessory — it is an active safety element that NOM-017-STPS-2024 requires employers to consider when the job position’s risk demands it. What the Standard Requires and What Many Companies Overlook NOM-017-STPS-2024 establishes that PPE must be selected based on the specific risk of each position, must be the appropriate size, must carry certification from an accredited body, and must have a documented program for inspection, maintenance, and replacement. A promotional rainwear item purchased from the cheapest vendor on the market will rarely meet these requirements. In the event of an inspection or an accident, the company is exposed to both financial penalties and legal liability for the consequences. Equipping personnel with PPE that does not meet the required technical specifications is, legally speaking, equivalent to providing no PPE at all. The Real Cost of the Wrong Rainwear The price difference between an industrial rainwear garment and a general-use one may seem significant at the point of purchase. That difference reverses quickly when replacement frequency is factored in. A low-gauge rainwear item used intensively in industrial settings can deteriorate within weeks. One built to the correct specifications can last an entire rainy season and beyond, with proper maintenance. Beyond that, the cost of a workplace accident — disability payments, increased IMSS risk premiums, legal proceedings, lost productivity — far exceeds any savings made at the time of purchase. At LICA, we offer a line of industrial rainwear designed for the real demands of the Mexican work environment: textile-backed materials, high-frequency sealed seams, anticorrosion plastic buttons, and high-visibility reflective tape where the risk requires it. Because the difference between a rainwear garment and PPE is not on the label — it is in how it was made and what it was designed to do. Want to verify whether the rainwear your company uses meets NOM-017-STPS-2024 requirements? Contact us and we will be happy to assist you. Sources: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) — NOM-017-STPS-2024, Personal Protective Equipment IMAI Impermeables América Industrial — Technical characteristics: industrial vs. general-use rainwear Prolaboral — Hydrophobic fabrics vs. waterproof garments: technical differences, 2024 Juba PPE — The difference between waterproof and water-resistant workwear

In many sectors of Mexican industry, rain does not stop operations. At most, it stops productivity when the protective equipment is not up to the task. A soaked worker loses performance, faces thermal risks, reduces their visibility, and in certain environments, confronts hazards that go far beyond arriving home wet. According to the National Meteorological Service, Mexico’s rainy season formally begins in May and extends through November. Jalisco, along with Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, and other states in the western and Pacific regions, sees rainfall from late May onward, with peak intensity in July, August, and September. For companies with personnel in the field, on construction sites, or in logistics, that represents nearly six months of continuous exposure to wet conditions. Choosing the right rainwear is not a minor decision: it is part of the PPE program. Rainwear Is Also PPE A common mistake in companies is treating rainwear as a comfort item rather than protective equipment. NOM-017-STPS-2024 establishes that PPE must be selected based on the specific risks of each job position. When that position involves exposure to rain, humidity, or outdoor work, rainwear becomes part of the risk analysis and must meet the same requirements as any other equipment: correct sizing, certification, documented service life, and recorded replacement. Choosing the wrong type of rainwear can be just as problematic as having none at all. The Main Types and When to Use Each Poncho or Cape This is the lightest and most portable option. Its design covers the torso and arms without requiring separate pants, making it practical for short trips or intermittent rain exposure. At LICA, we offer the PIL and PIL BLACK models — cape-style rainwear with a hood and side snaps, made from 80% PVC and 20% polyester, available in one size. For those who need an even lighter and more transportable option, the PIL LIGERO model is a 100% PVC poncho with an adjustable hood that comes with a portable carry bag, ideal for personnel who need to keep it on hand as a backup. Suitable for: logistics personnel, site supervisors, machinery operators, and workers who frequently move between covered and open areas. Jacket and Pants Set This is the most complete protection for prolonged rain exposure. It covers the entire body and allows greater freedom of movement than a poncho. The JSPIL model from LICA is a yellow set featuring a hooded jacket with zipper and plastic buttons, and pants with an elastic waistband and double-reinforced crotch; available in sizes M, L, XL, and XXL. For low-visibility environments — construction sites, roadways, night logistics — the JSPHV-L model incorporates high-visibility reflective tape, a critical safety element that a basic poncho does not offer. Those who need a navy blue option can choose the JSPIL BLUE, which shares the same technical specifications. Suitable for: workers in construction, civil works, infrastructure maintenance, field operations, and any position with continuous exposure to rain. Industrial Raincoat This style provides coverage from the shoulders to below the knee in a single garment, combining broad protection with ease of use. The GIL model from LICA is a high-frequency sealed raincoat with anticorrosion plastic buttons and high-visibility reflective tape, made from 80% PVC and 20% polyester. It is also available as the GIL-NARANJA for environments where safety orange is an operational requirement. For situations where the uniform beneath must remain visible without sacrificing protection, the GIL TRANSPARENT-L model — made from 100% translucent PVC with a long sleeve, hood, and side pockets — allows the work clothing underneath to show through without compromising waterproofing. Suitable for: security personnel, supervisors, workers in vehicle traffic zones, and outdoor plant operators. What to Review Beyond the Type The material is the first criterion, but not the only one. Before selecting rainwear to equip personnel, it is worth reviewing the following: Seams and sealing. Rainwear that leaks through its seams stops doing its job. Industrial-grade models use high-frequency sealing, which bonds the material without needle perforations, eliminating the most common leak points. Reflective tape. In environments with vehicle traffic, heavy machinery, or reduced visibility, reflective strips are not a decorative feature. They are an active safety element that can prevent a collision or a run-over. NOM-017-STPS-2024 is explicit that PPE must address the actual risks of each position — and if that risk includes low visibility, rainwear must account for it. Sizing and fit. Rainwear that is too loose can catch on machinery or restrict movement. A too-tight fit limits mobility and causes fatigue. The standard is clear: PPE must be the right size so that it does not create risks of its own. Compatibility with other PPE. In many positions, rainwear is worn alongside a hard hat, harness, or vest. It is important to verify that the rainwear design does not interfere with these items or compromise their function. At LICA, we offer a complete line of industrial rainwear designed for the different exposure profiles of Mexican industry — from portable ponchos to high-visibility raincoats. All available for companies and distributors throughout the country, with the assurance that each model was designed for a real risk, not just to hang in a locker. Need guidance on selecting the right rainwear for your company or expanding your catalog as a distributor? Contact us. Sources: National Meteorological Service (SMN) — 2025 Rainy Season in Mexico Milenio / El Universal — Dates and most affected states, 2025 rainy season Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) — NOM-017-STPS-2024, Personal Protective Equipment